Wizz Air ranked the worst airline for flight delays
Wizz Air has been named the worst major airline for flight delays from UK airports for the second year running, according to new figures. Civil Aviation Authority data analysed by PA news agency revealed that the Hungarian carrier’s UK departures were an average of 46 minutes and six seconds behind schedule in 2022. This was over three times longer than the previous year, when it was also ranked last for punctuality.
Wizz Air operates short-haul flights from seven UK airports, including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Gatwick, Luton, Liverpool and Bristol.
Cancelled flights were not included in the analysis, which covered all scheduled and chartered departures from UK airports by airlines with more than 2,500 flights. The average delay for all such flights was 23 minutes. After Wizz Air, Tui ranked second with an average delay of 40 minutes and 18 seconds, and Qatar Airways third with 31 minutes and 48 seconds. Norwegian Air Shuttle recorded the best performance with an average delay of just 13 minutes and 42 seconds.
May and June were the worst months for punctuality due to the aviation sector’s failure to recruit and train enough staff to cope with a surge in demand for holidays following the ending of the UK’s Covid-19 travel rules.
‘Shoddy treatment’
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said the figures would come as no surprise to passengers who have had to endure “shoddy treatment” from airlines.
The CAA has the power to take enforcement action against airlines, but court cases typically take several years to conclude. Proposals to give the regulator greater powers were consulted on in early 2022 but no changes have been made. CAA consumer director Paul Smith said “too many passengers faced disappointing levels of delays” in 2022, adding that the regulator had “already raised concerns” about Wizz Air and was working with the airline to improve outcomes for consumers. In February, the airline ended its service in and out of Wales, citing running costs and the current economic climate.